Bihar News : Five people were killed and more than half a dozen others injured after a speeding passenger bus lost control and crashed into a crowd attending a Chhathiyar ceremony in Bihar’s Bettiah late Friday night. The accident occurred around 11 pm on NH-727 in front of Bankatwa Middle School in Baswaria Paraoutola.
Two victims died on the spot, while three others succumbed to their injuries during treatment at a hospital. Some of the injured were discharged after receiving first aid, while five people continue to undergo treatment.
How Did the Accident Happen?
According to information available, a Chhathiyar ceremony for a newborn was being held at the house of Shatrughan Dubey, a resident of Baswaria in Lauria. As the house is located beside the road, a large number of invited guests and local residents had gathered there.
A feast was being served and an orchestra programme was also underway when the accident occurred. A truck carrying gas cylinders was approaching from the Bettiah side, while a passenger bus was travelling from the Lauria side.
The two vehicles came face to face, creating a situation that could have led to a collision. It is reported that the bus driver suddenly changed direction to avoid hitting the truck. The speeding bus then went out of control and rammed into the crowd attending the ceremony.
Five People Killed, Several Injured
The accident triggered panic and chaos at the scene. Devendra Dubey (35), Bahadur Mahto (45), Sanjay Mahto (28), Changur Ram (65) and Bhola Dubey (35) died in the incident.
All the deceased were reported to be residents of Ward No. 10 in Bankatwa. Two of them died at the scene, while three others died during treatment.
The injured include Shyambabu Kumar (20), Naresh Ram (40), Ajit Kumar (20), Motichand Mahto (60) and Fakhruddin Mian (17), among others. Some were sent home after first aid, while five remain under treatment.
Villagers Protest After the Accident
Following the incident, angry villagers staged a protest on the road and vandalised the bus and the truck. Police personnel who reached the spot also faced resistance from the protesters.
Both drivers fled from the scene after the accident. Police have taken the bus and the truck into custody and started an investigation.
Compensation Demand for Victims’ Families
Local public representatives have demanded adequate compensation for the families of those who died in the accident. The incident has left the village in mourning, with grief prevailing among the families of the victims.
